A bill to ban Native American mascots in public schools is currently under scrutiny in Massachusetts. This proposal is fuelled by the need to eliminate the stereotypical representation of indigenous communities in educational settings, according to CBS News.
Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley and Sen. Joanne Comerford have introduced the bill (H 477 / S 245), which would obligate the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to discard use of Native American associated team names, logos, or mascots in schools. The bill also encompasses any such symbols that could insult racial, ethnic, gender, or religious groups, as per WJAR.
Presently, 23 schools in the state continue using indigenous mascots or logos, as per the New England Anti-Mascot Coalition. The figures show a noteworthy drop from roughly 90 school districts that had rolled out Native American logos about 25 years ago, per CBS News. While decisions regarding these mascots are typically local, some activists argue for a uniform approach across the state.
Emphasizing the need for respectful cultural representation, Rhonda Anderson—an Iñupiaq - Athabascan Native American who is also a representative for western Massachusetts on the state Commission on Indian Affairs—commented: "Regrettably, schools persisting to control our native identities with mascots are defiantly manipulating them without our consent," as mentioned in a CBS News article.
Massachusetts Native American Faries Gray, during an Education Committee hearing, indicated that such mascots are harmful due to their tendency to portray indigenous communities as purely warlike societies, thus oversimplifying their varied cultures. Furthermore, Gray's statement underscores the need to appreciate the complex nature of Native American societies.
Kelly Pease of Westfield, questioned, however, the need of the bill, arguing that mascots could instead spotlight and educate about Native American heritage. In retort, Anderson articulated that Native Americans had no part in choosing these mascots, and they fall short of reflecting their multifaceted cultures, as WJAR reports.
In an individual move to confront the issue, the Foxboro School Committee recently decided to revise their "Warriors" logo that resembled the former Washington Redskins symbol while the name "Warriors" was preserved. Yet, critics argue this is not sufficient to truly address the larger concern.
It is still to be decided whether a state-wide ban on Native American mascots in public schools is the solution, or if a more community-rooted discussion and a decision-making approach would be apt to address this hotly debated issue. Regardless of the final decision, it is essential that educational establishments be mindful and respectful of the cultural sensitivity reflected in the identities they opt to signify.
